Complex Systems Inspiration

Alright, so I spent a good chunk of today catching up on readings and searching for inspiration for my complex systems project. And to be completely honest, I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do.

I came across Nervous System, “a generative design studio that works at the intersection of science, art, and technology. [They] create using a novel process that employs computer simulation to generate designs and digital fabrication to realize products. Drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, [they] write computer programs based on processes and patterns found in nature and use those programs to create unique and affordable art, jewelry, and housewares.”

This company also offers an OBJ export library for Processing! Definitely worth checking out.

This directed my thoughts into creating a flocking system using cellular automata rules. Boids could hold a particular state which would be determined by it’s neighbors. Unlike my previous flocking system, the rendered image would be an exposure of the connection between the boids, rather than the boids themselves.

Further research will be needed. I’m not entirely sure which direction I want to go into. I might try a few tests tomorrow.